NETTLE. 169 



has also been made from the rind as well as from the woody substance of 

 the stalk. The seeds on expression yield an oil, which may be used for 

 burning in lamps. The roots boiled with alum will dye yarn of a yellow 

 colour. 



The recent plant is almost destitute of odour, and has a weak, 

 bitterish, herbaceous taste. It is reputed to be slightly astrin- 

 gent and styptic, and the expressed juice slightly inspissated, has 

 a strong subsaline taste. The seeds contain an oily matter. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — The Nettle has been long 

 celebrated in different diseases, either to excite the skin locally, 

 or to affect the nervous system generally. Internally in infu- 

 sion or decoction, the herb has been employed in consumption *, 

 spitting of blood t, and uterine hemorrhage J ; but notwithstand- 

 ing these authorities, we are disposed to believe that the reputed 

 beneficial effects rest more upon hypothesis and surmises than 

 upon any inherent property of the remedy. The root and seeds 

 were esteemed by Ray in pulmonary diseases ; and a decoc- 

 tion of them in milk is a common remedy in Germany for intes- 

 tinal worms § . Externally, urtication, or flogging with nettles, 

 has been beneficially used in chronic rheumatism, and loss of 

 muscular power or sensibility, and was with that view recom- 

 mended by Aretaeus|| against lethargy; byCelsus% for paralysis 

 of the limbs ; and by Piso**, to the arms, thighs, and calves, 

 against comatose fevers. The bruised herb or juice applied to 

 the nostrils, is said to suspend bleeding from the nose ft ; and 

 by the peasants of our own country, the leaves are not infre- 

 quently placed on the roof of the mouth with the same intent. 

 Lastly, made into a poultice, they gently stimulate gangrenous 

 and malignant ulcers, and infused in water, make an excellent 

 gargle for relaxation of the palate and uvula. 



* Lange, De Remed. Brunsv. dom. p. 240. 



t Amatus Lusitanus, Lazerme, Chomel, Scopoli, &c. 



% Peyroux, Observ. de Med. p. 74. 



§ Berlin, Samml. zur Beforder, d'Arzneyw. vol. vi. p. 380. 



|| Aretaeus, Curat, acut. lib. i. cap. 2, ed. Boerh. p. 80. 



% Celsus, De Med. lib. iii. cap. 27* 



** Homorbonus Piso, in spicileg. curat, p. 6. 



ft Sartorius, Deadmiranda narium haemorrh. Altdorff. 1638, p. 19. 



